Ecoblogs

Did you take the test to find out if you tend to be an orchid killer? Find out your profile according to the majority of your answers…

More C – Tistu
A person who knows how to take care of plants is often called a green-finger, an allusion to a boy called Tistu, a character in Maurice Druon’s book. In fact, you do not seem to need much effort to have beautiful orchids in your home. What few people know is that one can develop a “green finger”. The recipe is so simple that it seems magical: watch for the signs given by the plant. And make lots of mistakes, because this is the only way to learn.

Also: Orchids “talk” when they are thirsty (their leaves lose vigor and their pseudobulbs wrinkle), when they are drowning (their leaves fall while still green and their bulbs rot), when they need more light (their leaves get yellow and they sprout but fail to blossom) or less light (you’ll see circular burns on their leaves). When they are being attacked by pests, you’ll see stains or holes on their flowers and leaves. If you see cloves or little ferns in an orchid’s substrate, it’s time to change the soil. And if it is growing out of the pot, it is begging for a bigger pot. Familiarize yourself with the plant by watching it every time you water it. You’ll be introduced to a world full of new things!

If most of your answers were A or B, see the other profiles.

Did you take the test to find out if you tend to be an orchid killer? Find out your profile according to the majority of your answers…

More B – Cruela Devil
You know that perfect, fully bloomed orchid that you see sitting on an amazing bathroom countertop in an interior design magazine? It’s faux. It is either: a plant placed there especially for the picture… or an artificial one. Many people who have orchids just to decorate their homes feel let down when they realize that the plant is a living being and therefore requires some basic care. Also, remember that most orchids do not die from excess water but from lack thereof!

Also: Water your plants more often, keeping the substrate always moist — never dry or soggy. Avoid leaving the pot under the sun, especially in the afternoon, when it is stronger and can seriously burn the plant’s leaves. Do you want flowers all year round? Then, buy a new potted flower each season. Or go for a Phalaenopsis or an Oncidiuns, which can bloom two or three times a year. And do not discard the plant once the blooming period is over: if you water it properly and fertilize it at least once a month your home will be always full of life!

If most of your answers were A or C, see the other profiles.

Did you take the test to find out if you tend to be an orchid killer? Find out your profile according to the majority of your answers…

More A – Felicia

You know that cartoon character who loves pets so, so very much that she almost kills them with her love? Think of an orchid instead of a pet and you’ll have an idea of what you’re doing to your plant. You have the best of the intentions: you wake up earlier to water it, buy a lot of fertilizer and pamper the orchid; so, you don’t understand why it refuses to blossom. What is surprising is the fact that it is still alive! Yes. Too much water and fertilizer are some of the main risk factors for plants.

Also: An orchid that sprouts but fails to bloom every year is telling you that it is getting too much water. Remove the flower pot saucer and start watering your plant in the sink, watering the leaves and the entire substrate. Allow the water to drain thoroughly before putting the pot back into place (without the saucer, remember?). And use fertilizer according to the amount and frequency prescribed in the package.

If the most of your answers were B or C, see the other profiles.

1. Your orchid is watered:
a) Every day
b) No more than once a week
c) I keep the soil always moist

2. How do you water the pot?
a) I stop as soon as I see water in the flower pot saucer

b) I use an eyedropper

c) I take it to the sink and let the water fall on it, even on the leaves

3. How many hours of sunlight does your plant get each day?

a) I let it soak up the sun all day

b) Sunlight? Are you sure the plant needs it?

c) As much as my window allows

4. You check out on the plant…

a) Every day!

b) Whenever it is ugly and I need to replace it

c) Whenever I water it

5. What do you do once the blooming period is over?

a) I leave it there; it will sprout but never blossom again

b) I give it to someone else and buy another pot in bloom

c) I carry on just as I did before

6. Which extra things do you do for it?

a) I put fertilizer in the water

b) I move the pot around from time to time

c) I use fertilizer every month (or whenever I remember)

7. In your opinion, an orchid is…

a) The queen of all flowers!

b) A very demanding plant

c) A plant like any other

Find out your profile on our next post!